Missouri State University is a public, 4-year institution located in Springfield, MO – in the southwest corner of the state. Founded in 1905 as the Fourth District Normal School, it was chartered in 1906. In 1919 the name was changed to Southwest Missouri State Teacher’s College until 1945 when it was known as Southwest Missouri State College. The school obtained university status in 1973 and after much contention the school received its present name on March 17. 2005. The 225 acre campus features a “Historic Quad” with several centennial buildings and the Jane A. Meyer Carillon atop a 140′ tower which is the tallest carillon in the Midwest. Culturally, Springfield is considered the birthplace of US Route 66. Among the notable alumni are baseball player Ryan Howard, actor John Goodman and Senator Roy Blount.

Academic Programs

Missouri State University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission and offers Bachelor’s Degrees, post-baccalaureate Certificates, Master’s Degrees, post-masters Certificates and Doctorates in over 100 fields. Noted for Healthcare related fields, Music, Theatre and Teacher Education, the largest program on campus is in Business. There is also an entire online program called Missouri State Outreach. The university is comprised of 8 colleges and schools: College of Arts and Letters; College of Business; College of Education; College of Health and Human Services; College of Humanities and Public Affairs; College of Natural and Applied Sciences; School of Agriculture; and Graduate College. Per the Mission Statement, “The University’s identity is distinguished by its public affairs mission, which entails a campus-wide commitment to foster expertise and responsibility in ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. The academic experience is grounded in a general education curriculum which draws heavily from the liberal arts and sciences. This foundation provides the basis for mastery of disciplinary and professional studies. It also provides essential forums in which students develop the capacity to make well-informed, independent critical judgments about the cultures, values and institutions in society.”

Student Life

There are around 19,000 undergraduate students enrolled in Missouri State University, many of whom live on campus in one of 9 residence halls ranging from traditional dormitories to suites and community living. The University sponsors over 300 clubs and student organizations including club sports and intramurals. For the varsity athlete, the maroon and white Bears (and Lady Bears), led by Boomer the Bear, field teams in 11 sports and participate in NCAA Division I competition. Students become familiar with the stated Vision of the school: “Missouri State University will provide a rich, memorable, distinctive and transformative educational experience through a variety of curricular and co-curricular experiences that will ensure students succeed both in college and after” and Values, including: student-centered learning environment to promote academic success and personal development; generation, discovery, dissemination and preservation of knowledge developed through research and creative activity; personal and academic integrity in all our endeavors; inclusiveness, fairness, equity and social justice; innovation and promotion of the entrepreneurial spirit; and responsible and transparent stewardship of the university’s and community’s resources for a sustainable future.